Lysimachia iniki
| Lysimachia iniki | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Primulaceae |
| Genus: | Lysimachia |
| Species: | L. iniki
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| Binomial name | |
| Lysimachia iniki Marr
| |
Lysimachia iniki is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Primulaceae known by the common names Wailua River yellow loosestrife[1] and Wailua River island-loosestrife.[2] It is endemic to Hawaii, where there is only one known occurrence existing on the island of Kauai.[2] The plant was federally listed as an endangered species of the United States in 2010.[3]
This plant was discovered in 1992, shortly after Hurricane Iniki tore a specimen off the tall cliffs above Kauai's Wailua River and dropped bits of it where it could be collected.[4] When analysis revealed it was a new species, it was described to science and named for the hurricane.[4] The Hawaiian word `iniki means "sharp and piercing, as wind or pangs of love."[5]
This is a shrub with hairy green hanging branches growing up to 1.5 meters in length. The woody base grows attached to wet, mossy cliffs. The oval leaves are roughly 3 to 5 centimeters long by 2 to 4 wide. The leaves are packed closely together. Funnel-shaped flowers grow in the leaf axils borne on pedicels up to 2.5 centimeters in length. Each flower has lance-shaped green sepals at the base. The flower petals are dark red at the bases and white at the tips. The stamens are dark red. The fruit is a rounded capsule under a centimeter long.[4]
When the plant was described there were at least 25 individuals.
Threats to this species include
References
- ^ USDA Plants Profile
- ^ a b c Lysimachia iniki. The Nature Conservancy.
- ^ a b c d e USFWS. Determination of endangered status for 48 species on Kauai and designation of critical habitat; Final rule. Federal Register. April 13, 2010.
- ^ a b c d Marr, K. L and B. A. Bohm. (1997). A taxonomic revision of the endemic Hawaiian Lysimachia (Primulaceae) including three new species. Pac Sci 51(3) 254-87.
- ^ Pukui, M. K. and S. H. Elbert. (1992). New Pocket Hawaiian Dictionary. University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu. IN: Marr, K. L and B. A. Bohm. (1997). A taxonomic revision of the endemic Hawaiian Lysimachia (Primulaceae) including three new species. Pac Sci 51(3) 254-87.